Sleep and Your Baby

Guest Author - Julie Renee Holland

Sleeping with a new baby around is not easy, but there are some ways to make it easier for both of you.

In those first few weeks of life your baby will still be adjusting to being outside the womb. They will often sleep in small bits throughout the day and may confuse day with night, being more alert and active just as you are winding down. Once you have settled into a bit more of a routine, you will be longing for some sleep and your baby will just be starting to be ready for sleeping more at night.

* Consider cosleeping. You'll both get more sleep if you can breastfeed without leaving your bed. You can even doze as the baby sleeps. Less up and down at night means less sleep disturbance for you and therefore deeper sleep.

* If you don't want to cosleep, consider a bassinet or crib in your room for the first year. Studies show that babies sleep more soundly and have a lower risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndorme) when sleeping in the same room as their parents. In addition, you'll be closer so getting up at night will take more time.

* Sleep when they sleep if at all possible. Often parents just want to get things done while the baby sleeps or take advantage of some time alone. However, if you nap when baby naps and go to bed when baby goes to sleep, you'll be able to get more sleep and be more productive when you are awake.

* Consider using a ,a href="http://littlefornow.com/catalog.php?category=3" rel='nofollow'>sling or baby carrier during the day. You'll be able to get more done as you will have both hands free to do household tasks, leaving you with more time to sleep when the baby sleeps. A good quality sling will distribute your baby's weight evenly so your back and shoulders will get a break too.